Relephant read: Elephant’s Continually updating Coronavirus Diary. ~ Waylon

Half of Humanity is under some kind of stay at home order.

Almost four billion humans are isolating themselves for the greater good of our global health. A friend of mine recently told me that she hasn’t touched another human being since the beginning of March. I wanted to reach through the phone and hug her immediately.

That night, I offered up a prayer to surround my friend with loving peace and the comfort to reach out when she needed people. My mind kept thinking of these specific lyrics. So, I sent her the song that went along with them:

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won’t let show.
Lean on me when you’re not strong
I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on.
~ “Lean on Me”

I received a text the next morning that I may save forever. Needless to say, the song was very well received.

During this time of physical distancing, we still may touch others, through music. More than any other stimulus, a melody has the ability to ignite images and feelings within us that aren’t just memories. We may hug anyone, anywhere, at any time simply by sending along a song.

Music, like from soul legend Bill Withers, does just that. The singer, storyteller, and songwriter passed away last week, and the evidence of how beloved he was is sprinkled all over the internet. He touched the hearts and minds of people around the world that he had met, and those he had never laid eyes upon, like me.

In light of how alone many of us feel and in memory of one of my favorite voices, I offer these songs to hug as many hearts as possible:

For our friends, “Lean on Me.”

For our long-distance loves, “Just the Two of Us.”

https://youtu.be/jEy6MGu3bIA

For our family, “Grandma’s Hands.”

For all of us to send out to others as often as needed, “Make a Smile for Me.”

For when wanting to ease anxiety or fear, “Let it Be.”

For a morning reminder, that you, as is, make today a “Lovely Day.”

Please, pass on any song that will warm another’s heart. We’re in this isolation together. Peace be with you.

“Value the people who value you!” ~ Bill Withers

~

Relephant reads:
30 Things to Do while Quarantined (other than Washing your Hands & Watching “Tiger King”).
Who will we be “After” COVID-19?
When Isolation is the Cure & the Source of our Pain & Dysfunction.
Stop Romanticizing Lockdown—It’s a Mental Health Crisis in the Making.
Don’t make Yourself a Project: Why the Pandemic isn’t the time for Self-Improvement.